Amarillo Police Department

06/02/2026

🚦 TRAFFIC ALERT 🚦

We have been made aware that the traffic lights are currently out at the intersection of 45th Avenue and Bell Street. Traffic is backing up in all directions, and delays should be expected.

If possible, consider taking an alternate route until the issue is resolved. We'll provide an update once the traffic signals are operating normally again.

In the meantime, save yourself some time, frustration, and maybe even discover a new route through one of Amarillo's neighborhoods. If you can't take your favorite path today, you might as well make an adventure out of it!

Please remember that intersections with non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as a four-way stop.

Drive safely, y'all! 💙🚔

05/31/2026

05/31/2026

****Updated 5-31-26, 1345hrs*****
Mr Whitley has been located and is safe

****BOLO- Missing Person****

The Amarillo Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 72-Richard Lee Whitley.

Mr. Whitley was last seen on May 31st, 2026, around 1120am near 6800 blk of Plum Creek. Mr. Whitley is 5'5" tall and approximately 200 lbs. He was last seen wearing a blue short- sleeve shirt and grey sweatpants. Mr. Whitley suffers from dementia.

If you have seen Richard or know where he may be, please contact the Amarillo Police Department at 806-378-3038, option 2, or call 911 with immediate information.
APD IR # 26-508095 See less

05/29/2026

SCAM ALERT ⚠️

Those scammers sure are determined.

We have recently received multiple reports from citizens who have been contacted by scammers pretending to be law enforcement. The callers and texters are using the Potter County Sheriff’s Office address along with fake names such as “Deputy Arnold Wright” and “Sgt. Michael Borsey.”

Last week, another citizen reported being contacted by someone claiming to be “Detective Bohannon.” While APD does have an officer with that name, the call was still a scam.

Here are some important things to remember to help identify these scams:

Scammers use fear, intimidation, and urgency.
They will try to convince you that you are about to be arrested unless you immediately make a payment or provide personal information.🚨

Law enforcement will NOT ask for payment or sensitive personal information over the phone or through text messages.🚨

Scammers may even direct victims to meet them at certain locations.
One caller was bold enough to tell victims to meet at the Amarillo Police Department.🚨

Thankfully, in the cases reported to us, the victims recognized the scam before losing money or providing personal information.

We hope that by continuing to share this information, we can help protect our community and make it harder for these scammers to succeed.

Please share this post with your family and friends — especially elderly loved ones who are often targeted.

Remember:
• Do not send money using gift cards, Bitcoin, payment apps, or wire transfers.
• Do not give out personal or banking information over the phone.
• If something feels suspicious, hang up.

If you are unsure, disconnect the call and contact someone you trust. Many times, simply saying the situation out loud helps people realize it is a scam.

Do not let scammers intimidate you, pressure you, or isolate you. If they tell you not to tell anyone, that is a major red flag.

Stay alert and help us spread the word. 💙

05/29/2026

Outdoor Warning Siren Test Canceled Due to Weather

The Amarillo Area Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has canceled the monthly outdoor warning siren test scheduled for today, May 29th due to thunderstorms predicted in our area.

The safety of our community is our top priority, and we do not want to activate the sirens if there is a chance that they could cause alarm or confusion.

In the meantime, we encourage you to test your NOAA Weather Radio and ensure that you have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts.

Thank you for your understanding.

05/29/2026

Chief Hover announces a strategic realignment of the Amarillo Police Department focused on increasing patrol staffing and proactive policing efforts.

The changes include adding more officers to patrol, establishing a full-time Gang Unit, and creating a full-time DWI Unit to better serve and protect our community.

Watch the video below to learn more about these changes and APD's continued commitment to public safety. 💙🚔